Bunge la Mwananchi President Francis Awino filed a petition before the East African Court of Justice (EACJ) seeking accountability for the Kenya Kwanza administration, led by President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
The petition, submitted to the Arusha-based court, seeks to hold the administration responsible for the deaths and injuries sustained during the recent Gen Z protests across Kenya.
In the petition, Awino accuses the government of violating the constitutional right to peaceful protest, leading to widespread injuries, deaths, abductions, and forced evictions.
The petition references reports from various human rights organisations, which estimate that the protests resulted in over 60 fatalities and the mysterious disappearance of 66 individuals.
These figures have been at the centre of growing concerns over the state's handling of the protests, which were largely led by the youth.
Awino's petition explains several key incidents that, according to him, demonstrate the state's disregard for human rights.
Among them is the Githurai shooting where military officers allegedly opened fire on protestors, leading to multiple casualties.
The petition also details the government's suppression of media coverage by disrupting internet services during the protests, as well as the forceful eviction of thousands of residents from informal settlements in Mathare, Mukuru, and Kibera.
In his submission to the EACJ, Awino urged the court to take decisive action against the Kenyan government.
He called for the court to issue an order holding President Ruto, Deputy President Gachagua, Attorney General Justin Muturi, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, and former Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome criminally responsible for the alleged human rights violations.
"The Applicant respectfully requests the Court to grant the following reliefs," the petition states.
“A declaration that the government's actions or omissions constitute a violation of the fundamental principles of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty, particularly under Articles 6(d) and 7(2).”
Awino seeks an order directing the Kenyan government to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the human rights violations allegedly committed by state security forces.
“An order directing the Respondent to initiate the necessary processes to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation into the human rights violations committed by the Respondent state and its security forces.”
“A cessation order against the Respondent state to forthwith cease and desist from all forms of violence against demonstrators and ensure their safety and freedom,” the petition stated.
Furthermore, he calls for a cessation order to prevent further violence against demonstrators and to ensure their safety and freedom.
